When I heard that Anne Rockwell had a new picture book coming out, I didn’t hesitate a moment to accept the offer for a review copy. As a preschool teacher for twelve years, I’ve routinely relied on her collection when setting up my classroom book selections. Rockwell has a way of creating engaging stories that provide information on topics of interest to young children, and she has done just that with over 100 titles under her belt!
Rockwell’s newest is Truck Stop, a story about a highway truck stop rest area told through a young boy’s eyes. Each morning, the boy and his parents open the truck stop up for business, and there’s a flurry of activity all before the boy catches his morning bus to school. The boy introduces “the regulars” as they arrive at the rest area, hungry for breakfast and needing service for their vehicles. The boy and his parents run the truck stop very well, remembering folks’ orders and greeting everyone by name. Soon, everyone realizes that one regular customer hasn’t made an appearance yet, unusually late for him. It’s not until the boy leaves on the school bus that he sees that missing customer’s truck broken down on the side of the road. Thankfully, a tow truck driver is back at the truck stop and is called into action.
As each customer enters the truck stop, a new vehicle is introduced, including a flatbed trailer truck, a milk tank, an 18-wheeler, and a moving van, with even more types of vehicles filling the endpages of the book. The text is simple but engaging, and Melissa Iwai provides colorful illustrations that will draw in young readers, especially those already interested in trucks. The concept of a highway-side truck stop might be a new one to some children even though most have seen a big vehicle barreling down the highway next to them at some point, and Truck Stop is the perfect way to introduce the idea.
Also, on her website, Melissa Iwai has some story-related activity pages available for download for children to enjoy after reading the book.
We’re happy to offer one copy of Truck Stop in today’s giveaway. Please leave a comment below to enter. Giveaway is open to US addresses only, please. We will announce our winner on 5/29. This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered.
- The winner of The Magician’s Tower is #5 Ellie.
- The winner of New Lands, Chronicles of Egg Series is #2 Diane.
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What a perfect book for my grandson. Just delightful.
My grandson loves trucks! This would be a great book for him! Thank you for the giveaway!
Sounds like a great book for young children doing a truck study!!
I love the cover of this book and what boy/girl doesn’t enjoy
learning about various types of vehicles?!
Many thanks, Cindi
Hi Cindi! You’re our randomly chosen winner. Please send me your mailing address– [email protected]
Thanks!
This book would be perfect for my daughter who was able to identify and label “big trucks” before she knew the answer to, “What does the doggie say?” Can you tell we are commuters? =)
This book looks so awesome- I know a few little ones who would love this book!
I would love to be able to give this to my boyfriend’s son. His father is a truck driver. They are super close and J’s not going to be around much longer so I know he would appreciate to be able to read this with him more than anything. Thanks so much for the opportunity!
wow my grandson LOVES trucks – he would love to have this
I’d love this for my nephew
Would love this for my son.
Oh, oh, oh! My grandson is crazy about trucks!
My son is currently in love with all things truck. He’d love this!